· How did the
concept of PBBAGS originate and how do you believe collectors
will benefit from your service?
Through the years, we have seen the importance of third party
grading/authentication in other fields of collectibles, namely,
coins and sports cards. Third party grading/authentication has
done much to aid in the growth and development of these collectible
fields. Our goal is to have the same effect on the Beanie market.
As counterfeit Beanies became more of an issue in the marketplace,
we felt the need for a professional service that would accomplish
more than determining the authenticity of a Beanie Baby. While
we realize the importance of identifying the counterfeits, we
also recognize the significance of setting a grading scale that
will benefit collectors who possess authentic product. The market
has suffered a great decline due to the availability of what consumers
mistakenly believe to be authentic Beanies. Only recently have
we begun to notice the impact in terms of liquidity. As counterfeits
are weeded out, Beanies that are in the Near Mint-Mint 8 range
on up are going to realize their true value. Initially, we feel
that collectors will seek us out for our evaluation of the authenticity
of their collections. Ultimately, we expect the grading to become
a valuable tool to the collector when it comes to selling their
product. The process, itself, will shape the industry in terms
of rarity among high-value, authentic Beanies.
· I understand
you offer a grading system. Please explain this system and why
it is important.
Our grading system is based on a ten-point scale that ranges from
Gem-Mint (10) condition down to Poor (1). We have meticulously
established this scale based on hundreds of hours of research
into the anomalies found on swing tags, specifically. The numeric
grade, which is only assigned to authentic Beanies, is based on
the condition of the swing tag. However, we realize the significance
of other characteristics of the Beanie in terms of overall appeal.
Therefore, we have also compiled a set of Qualifiers that provides
additional information to the consumer about the condition of
the swing tag, the tush tag and the bean bag itself. As more consumers
are buying sight-unseen, we feel the responsibility to provide
as much detail about the condition of the product they are purchasing
as possible. Realizing that consistency is key, we have a team
of three professional, independent evaluators and one finalizer
who will review the grades and make a determination based on all
of the input.
· There have
been numerous reports regarding fake Beanies entering the auction
markets. How can your service relieve the minds of collectors
who use these auctions?
Removing fake Beanies from the secondary market, whether it's
an internet auction site, flea market, Beanie show, mail order
or internet dealer, is our goal. It is a war. Wars are won by
winning battles. In order to achieve our goal we must first think
of winning battles, not wars. Our first battle is to educate dealers
and consumers on how to identify a counterfeit Beanie. Next, we
want to help provide a product to dealers that they know has integrity.
If it is liquid, it has demand over other products in the marketplace.
Finally, we want to bolster consumer confidence. Consumers want
dealers who can sell them a product of integrity. We can provide
that product through our service.
· Will you
offer warning information on fakes to help keep collectors educated?
As part of our Membership Program (Levels 2, 3 and 4), collectors
will have access to archived Questions and Answers provided by
Becky Phillips and Vicky Krupka. This information will provide
collectors with a wonderful tool for preventing the purchase of
a counterfeit product.
We will also share information with other Beanie websites- namely, ms.janie.com and beaniemom.com.
· Please explain
the authentication service and include pricing information:
Once you submit your items to us, we will determine the authenticity
of your Beanie. If it is found to be authentic, we will carefully
examine the swing tag, tush tag and the bean bag itself, to provide
the grade that best describes the overall condition of the Beanie.
We then apply a clear, acrylic tag protector to the swing tag,
encapsulate the Beanie in a clear, acrylic case and seal it with
voidable labels. A unique identification code is then assigned
to the product and included on our voidable Certificate of Authenticity,
which is applied to the outside of the box. We then carefully
package and return your product via your preferred method of shipment.
We will maintain a database of all submissions that we can draw information from for use in our "Population Report." This report is accessible to subscribers to our Membership Program, Levels 2, 3 and 4, as a tool in determining the rarity of a particular item and grade.
To make a submission to Becky Phillips' Professional Bean Bag Authentication and Grading Service, visit our website at www.pbbags.com. Here you will find our submission fees, which are $10.95, $18.95 and $24.95, depending upon the item. To obtain an online submission form, you must have printing capabilities. If you do not have a printer, e-mail us at submissions@pbbags.com or call us toll-free at 877-440-2247 for a submission form. Detailed instructions are provided on our website and our submission forms.